Kids Blog

Avoid being Sir Isaac Newtown!

Sir Isaac Newtown was one of the greatest scientists who ever lived. But he didn’t have it easy; he survived plague, civil war and poverty to become a Professor of Mathematics at 26!  He went on to live an amazing life and make many important discoveries that changed science forever.

Awesome Adventures at the Smithsonian

This is the official guide to the Smithsonian Institution, which is not just one but a collection of museums mostly located in Washington D.C.  There are exhibitions on everything, from human flight (The National Air and Space Museum) to the origins of human life (  National Museum of Natural History.) While this would be a great book to take on a trip to the U.S.A, it’s really interesting to read in its own right.

ANZAC Day The New Zealand story : what it is and why it matters

This is an important book about New Zealand’s role in World War I. Although it does talk about Gallipoli, it also mentions other places that New Zealanders fought, such as the Western front.  The Maori and Pacific Island soldiers who fought are also discussed. The book also looks at what happened after the war; what life for the soldiers who came back was like, how the dead were memorialised and the first ANZAC day services.

Dogs: a very peculiar history

This is a great little book will tell you all about the history of dogs,  from the wild dogs that our ancestors domesticated to the pampered pooches of today’s top celebrities. Not only will this book tell you the history of dogs, it also explains their doggy behaviors and quirks.  Also included are stories about heroic dogs, fictional dogs and movie star dogs! Basically this is a great book for you canine lovers. However, if you’re more of a cat person, there’s also Cats: A very peculiar history. 

The Book of Blood

A lot less gruesome than its name suggests, this book will tell you everything you need or want to know about blood. As well as looking at the science of blood, this book also takes a look at what people in the past thought about blood (and how it worked) and how that changed over time.  There’s also some really interesting sections on bloodsuckers, from the real ones, like mosquitoes to the fictional, like vampires.  It’s a well written book with great pictures and lots of interesting information.

The Arab-Israeli conflict

The Arab-Israeli conflict is one of the most contentious issues of our time and sometimes it’s hard to know what to think. This book lays out the history of the conflict and how it’s shaped international relationships.

Medicine through the Ages: Modern, Renaissance, Medieval and Industrial Age

These are some really fantastic books about how medicine changed and developed over time.  They’re extremely informative, and filled with great (if gory!) illustrations.  They’re a bit more serious than books like the Horrible Histories, but they’re still very interesting and worth a read.

London: A Time Traveler’s Guide.

Did you know that London is thousands years old? So when you walk through its busy streets, you are standing on top of history. Forget Doctor Who, With this guide you can travel back in time and discover all the relics of the past, ancient treasures and long forgotten buildings throughout London, England. You will find out all about  of the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings, Medieval times, the Tudor, the Victorians to the present day. So come on down to the library and take a fact-filled journey through the history of London, one of the world’s greatest cities.

A City Through Time : From Ancient Colony to Vast Metropolis.

In the mood for some more time travel? Check out this new and  stunning update of the popular original, A City Through Time. Follow the story of a city from ancient colony to vast modern metropolis with full-colour illustrations that will transport you back to another age. Reading this book may be the closest you ever get to what really goes on in a Roman bath-house, a medieval castle or a modern skyscraper. Comes complete with a photographic section that profiles great cities through history and a glossary that tells you what you need to know about architecture, technology, work and costumes throughout the ages. Great  for parents and children to look at together or for school projects.

Norse Myths and Legends.

This book explores the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make Norse myths and legends so compelling. Forget Thor, the hero from the Marvel comics, now is the time to really study and learn all you have ever wanted to know about the Norse Mythology and the Vikings. As a bonus, you will also discover facts and information that  you didn’t know, like Thor’s favorite weapon was a magical hammer, (Okay, maybe that’s something you already knew), some gods used goats or cats to pull their chariots and gods believed rainbows could be bridges between worlds.

Solving Mysteries with Science.

Do you like reading about the strange  and unknown? With this new series on solving mysteries, you are in for a treat. Read all about the encounters, what scientists and other experts think and the evidence that supports the existence of  The Loch Ness Monster, Mermaids and The Bermuda Triangle.

Treasure Hunters.

Two new books from the Treasure Hunters series is now available at Wellington City Libraries. Tomb Explores explores all the tombs and treasure you will find in parts of the world such as Egypt, China and South America. You will also discover amazing facts and found out answers to questions like what sort of booby traps were hidden in Pyramids?, Why were the Terracotta Army craftsman ordered to be killed? and Where have tomb explorers used remote-controlled cameras? Great Art Thefts combines the subjects of Art, Mysteries and Crime into one resource. Read all about the great art crime capers that took place throughout history including the theft of the Mona Lisa that took place in 1911, the Boston burglary in 1990 where 13 artworks were stolen and the theft of The Scream in Norway, 1994 during the Winter Olympics.

Here are your favourite non-fiction books for April. Grab them from your library today.

1. Star Wars by David Reynolds West

2. Frontier of dreams the story of New Zealand by John Parker

3. The horrible history of the world by Terry Deary

4. The LEGO book by Daniel Lipkowi
5. Ripley’s believe it or not by Rosie Alexandertz

6. Cat by Juliet Clutton-Brock

7. World War 1 by Simon Adams

8. Usborne little book of Easter activities by Rebecca Gilpin

9. Pokemon Visual Guide by Cris Silvestri

10. Big book of paper craft by Fiona Watt

ANZAC Day is a very special day where New Zealanders and Australians remember the men and women that served and lost their lives in war.

ANZAC is an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

The original ANZAC Day observances were mostly for serviceman and their families. It was started as a result of the terrible loss of life suffered at Gallipoli during World War 1. Today ANZAC Day has grown into a day were we honour all servicemen and women who fight in war all around the world.

A lot of people think the date of April 25th was chosen because it was the day that the ANZACS suffered the greatest loss of life at Gallipoli but it is actually the day when the New Zealand and Australian soldiers first landed at Gallipoli in 1915.

They fought and died there until they were finally evacuated in December of that same year

There are many things we do to commemorate this special day.

There is the Dawn Parade which is one of our most popular traditions. It begins with a parade of returned servicemen and women who march to their local war memorial where they are met by family and the community.

There is an ANZAC Day Service were the community come to lay wreaths in remembrance of the fallen soldiers.

And don’t forget to have your Anzac biscuit. Did you know that Anzac biscuits don’t have eggs? This is because eggs were in short supply during war times.

We always wear a Poppy on ANZAC Day. The red poppy goes way back in history – as far as the

Napoleonic Wars of the 19th Century. This is because these flowers were the first to bloom over the graves of soldiers in France and Belgium and have become a symbol of remembrance.

There are some great websites you can visit to find out more about ANZAC Day and you might like to check out all the books we have in the library. As well as the factual books you will also find great fiction books like ’Lest we forget‘ and ‘Anzac Day Parade’. You will even find books on animals that served during war time.

They shall not grow old, as we that are left to grow old; Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.

Here are the list on Non-Fiction finalists for the New Zealand post Children’s Book Awards:

100 Amazing Tales From Aotearoa by Simon Morton & Riria Hotere

Based on the TVNZ television series “Tales from Te Papa” and contains 2 DVDs including the original TV series. Find out about quirky NZ stories featuring some strange and precious artifacts.

Kiwi: the real story by by Annemarie Florian & Heather Hunt

With lots of illustrations a bold rhythmic verse describes the North Island brown kiwi in action in the bush, and a non-fiction narrative provides readers with added insight into kiwi biology and behaviour

Taketakerau, The Millennium Tree by Marnie Anstis, Patricia Howitt & Kelly Spencer

The story of a child who listens to Koro and Grandma as they weave a tale about the life and times of the ancient pūriri tree Taketakerau, the settlement and development of New Zealand, and world events that happened over the last 2000 years

At the Beach: Explore & discover the New Zealand seashore by Ned Barraud & Gillian Candler

Find out all about the New Zealand seashore in this amazing new book with fantastic illustrations. The book includes a removable, waterproof, quick-reference guide to common seashore animals

From these 4 great books a winner will be announced on June 24th. You can vote for a winner too – in the Children’s Choice Award (and you’ll go in the draw to win $500 of book vouchers for you and your school).

I was just flicking through some new books that have arrived recently (looking for something good to read), and I thought these ones looked great.

What do you think?

Gustav Gloom and the People Taker by Adam-Troy Castro

This one has a very cool cover – one of those ones with a clear plastic peep-hole in the cover. It also looks like the first in a new series, judging by the large number 1 on the spine. It’s a hard cover book (I LOVE hardcovers!) and also has illustrations inside. Here’s what its’ about (from the book cover):

Do you know where your shadow is? Gustav Gloom’s neighbours think he is the unhappiest little boy in the world. But what they don’t know it that the strange, dark house Gustav lives in  is filled with more wonders and mysteries than could ever be explained. But explain is exactly what Gustav needs to do when Fernie What moves in across the street. And that’s when the adventure really begins…

The High-Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate by Scott Nash

Another hard cover book, and another with pictures! This one looks really great and I can’t wait to read it. Here’s the blurb:

Hoist the Jolly Robin! Captain Blue Jay famed commander of the sky-faring vessel The Grosbeak takes to the skies with his stalwart crew for a rousing aero-nautical adventure of flying and freedom parked with Danger and Mystery! Blue Jay and his band of avian pirates sail the skies searching for ships laden with cargo, avoiding run-ins with the dastardly crows, dodging doldrums and bad weather, and evading the long arm of the Colonial army.

Waterloo & Trafalgar by Oliver Tallec

This one’s a bit different – though it does have a hard cover and illustrations. Waterloo & Trafalgar is a picture book without words, but this one’s not for preschoolers- it’s for you! You have to figure out what’s happening by examining the pictures, and the story’s pretty funny.

It’s about two soldiers (one called Waterloo and the other called Trafalgar) who are watching each other very closely using telescopes from behind walls. Watch what happens in their lives as they both endure winters and summers, all while watching each other very closely. The ending is great!

1001 inventions and awesome facts from Muslim Civilisation

The Muslim faith is in the news a lot these days; this book will give a different perspective on what Muslims have contributed to the world civilisation  . While much of Europe was still in the Dark Ages, Muslims had started making great leaps in medicine, astronomy, cartography and the decorative arts.  For example, the first atlas was completed by Al-Idrisi in 1154. It showed most of North Africa, Asia and Europe. A 10th century Muslim surgeon, Al-Zahrawi, is considered to be “the father of modern surgery.” He completed a book called  Kitab al-Tasrif in the year 1000, which was a major influence on the development of medicine all over the world. The first example of female surgeons was found in a later Muslim book on medicine.  This is an extremely interesting book that has something to teach everyone.

What’s for lunch?How schoolchildren eat around the world

Not every kid in the world goes to school with vegemite sammies and a packet of crisps! This book not only shows what different cultures feed kids at lunch (the French meal looks particularly yummy!) but contains important information about the social context and ecological cost of what they’re eating.  It also talks about different movements in the world to make sure that everyone gets enough healthy food to eat.  It’s also a valuable eye opener for those who think that ham sandwiches are the worst thing you can get in your lunch box.

Crafts from the past

This is a great series of books that looks at the crafts of different ancient cultures. But they will also teach you how the Romans, the Greeks, the Ancient Indians, the Aztecs and the Ancient Egyptians worked, played, ate, what they believed in and how they entertained themselves.  They’re more than simple craft books (although the projects are really interesting and relatively simple to make) they are excellent resources for your history project on the ancient world. Or just to enjoy learning something new about the different cultures of the past.

World atlas of dinosaurs

Taking step further back into the world’s history, this book will guide you through which dinosaurs lived where and in what sort of habitat. New Zealand, for example, has more marine fossils, because large parts of it were still underwater during the time of the dinosaurs.  It also discusses significant sites where many dinosaur fossils have been found. It’s not a dry or boring book; there’s lots of awesome illustrations and fascinating facts to keep you reading.

How to change the world with a ball of string

“History makes it look as though everyone knew what they were doing all along. In fact, it wasn’t like that at all. Stuff happened by accident or had the opposite result from what was intended…” This is a great book for those who like history but may not like the gore of the horrible histories books. It’s just as interesting, as it talks about all the odd connections or coincidences or actions that may seem improbable but had an enormous effect on civilisation.  For example, did you know that the Black Death made life a lot better for the surviving peasants? There were so few left that Lords had to pay them to work in the fields. Wages and the standard of living got a little better, but this event shaped the modern economic system.  Other intriguing sections include “Lose an empire…over a cup of tea,” and my personal favourite, “Base a philosophy on beans.” This is definitely worth a read if you’re interested in history.

I wonder why Columbus crossed the Ocean

This is a great book for younger readers on the same subject: the whys and whats and hows of the history of exploration. From the earliest explorers to the space race, this book will give you a good basic understanding of how people explored the world around them.  It’s not just about Western explorers, either: people mentioned include the Arab traveller, Ibin Battuta who’s journey lasted 24 years and the amazing Chinese explorer Zheng He.

Star Wars origami : 36 amazing paper-folding projects from a galaxy far, far away

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…someone decided to make a book for people who love both Star Wars and origami. Make your favourite characters and ships and monsters from all six films. This book is probably better for those who have some basic origami skills already, but take out a few more of our origami books and you’ll be good enough to tackle these great paper sculptures.

Pixar Character Encyclopedia

Pixar makes great movies, there’s no doubt about that! Now you can get the inside scoop on all of your favourite characters, from Woody the Cowboy to Merida, the rebellious Scottish princess. It also covers the ‘smaller’ characters who you might have missed the first time around.

How they croaked: awful ends of the awfully famous

This talks about the lives and especially the ends of the lives of the great and good and not so good. Scientists, royalty, composers and explorers all feature, with special attention paid to the medical facts behind each person’s death.

The skull in the rock: how a scientist, a boy and Google Earth opened a new window on human origins

This is one of the most interesting books on paleontology that we have in the library. It begins with the nine year old Matthew,  finding a fossil while on an expedition with his Dad, the famous paleontologist, Lee Berger.  Or does it? Professor Berger was using the Google Earth app to look at fossil rich areas in a whole new way, and noticed there was an area that might need a second look…this book is as much about the processes of paleontology as it is about this very important find. A must read for those interested in paleontology, the origins of mankind and how new technology can help us take a different look at the past.

 The Impossible Rescue

Most New Zealanders know about the extraordinary feat of endurance that Ernest Shackleton undertook to survive the Antarctic wastelands.   The Impossible Rescue is a similar story from the polar (get it?) end of the world.  Three hundred American whalers were trapped in the Arctic after their ships had been trapped by ice. This book tells the story of the small group who set out to help them.

From mud huts to skyscrapers: architecture for children

This is one of the best books about architecture that we’ve got in the library. Using simple language and great illustrations, it takes you through the history of the main types of mostly Western architecture, talking about the unique features of each one. It’s a brilliant introduction to the way buildings have changed over time.